Crossroads Collective, Milwaukee’s first food hall, is closing

Milwaukee’s first food hall is shutting its doors. 

Crossroads Collective, 2238 N. Farwell Ave., announced on social media it will close its doors May 8. 

“Since opening, we’ve had the honor of hosting passionate vendors, welcoming thousands of guests, and helping launch businesses that have gone on to grow in big ways,” the statement read. “The energy and creativity of this corner of the East Side has always come from the people and we’re proud to have been a part of it.” 

Considered the city’s first food hall, Crossroads Collective opened on the corner of North and Farwell avenues in 2018. Operated by New Land Enterprises, the 7,000 square-foot space served as a incubator to small food businesses throughout the years — including restaurants like Heaven’s Table BBQ, Ruta’s and Egg & Flour Pasta Bar — that moved on to open brick-and-mortar spaces after their tenure at the food hall. 

At times, the food hall was home to more than half a dozen vendors as well as its central bar, The Pharmacy. It currently hosts four food vendors: Temple Goddess + Adonis Burger Co., Awi Sushi, Scratch Ice Cream and Capybara Cafe. 

The food hall, next door to The Oriental Theatre, will remain open through the run of the Milwaukee Film Festival, taking place April 24 through May 8.

RELATED: Where to eat near the Downer and Oriental theaters during the Milwaukee Film Festival

In the social media announcement, Crossroads Collective hinted that plans are already in place for a new business to move into its space. 

“Now it’s time to pass the torch to a local restaurant expanding into the space, a move that reflects what Crossroads has always stood for: giving small businesses a place to grow,” the statement said. 

A representative from New Land Enterprises was not immediately available for comment. 

Last fall, neighboring bars and restaurants reported loss of business during two simultaneous construction projects — including road closures that turned North Avenue into a one-way street — that limited parking and foot traffic in the area.

In recent weeks, Crossroads Collective completely walled up one area of its space that was once home to three food vendors. 

The announcement of Crossroads Collective’s closure comes just months after food hall North Avenue Market announced its closure on the near west side last fall.